The arterial blood pressure is mainly controlled by the renal system. The nervous system and hormones also play a vital role in controlling blood pressure. Here, let us discuss the various factors that regulate arterial blood pressure.
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Factors Regulating Blood Pressure
Even under normal physiological conditions, arterial blood pressure varies. However, due to the body’s well-organised regulating processes, it is promptly returned to normal levels. The body has four of these regulating systems to keep the blood pressure within acceptable ranges:
- The nervous system or the short-term regulatory system
- A long-term regulatory mechanism or the renal system
- The hormonal system
- Regional system
The Nervous System or the Short-Term Regulatory System
The regulation of blood pressure by the nervous system is the fastest of all the systems.
Within a few minutes of a pressure change, the nervous system returns the pressure to normal. Although the neurological system reacts quickly, it only works for a brief time before adapting to the new pressure. As a result, it is known as short-term regulation. The vasomotor system is used by the neurological system to control arterial blood pressure.
Renal System or Long-Term Regulatory System
The long-term regulation of blood pressure is largely controlled by the kidneys. When blood pressure fluctuates gradually over a period of days, weeks, or even years, the nervous system adjusts to the new pressure and loses sensitivity to fluctuations. It is no longer able to control the pressure. The renal system effectively controls blood pressure under these circumstances. As a result, it is known as long-term regulation. There are two ways that kidneys control arterial blood pressure:
1. By controlling ECF (extracellular fluid) volume.
2. Through the renin-angiotensin system.
Regulation of ECF (Extracellular Fluid) Volume
As blood pressure rises, pressure diuresis and pressure natriuresis occur in the kidneys, which cause significant excretion of water and salt, particularly sodium. Because of natriuresis and diuresis, there is a reduction in blood and ECF volume that returns arterial blood pressure to normal levels.
Renin-Angiotensin System
The renin-angiotensin system is a complicated multi-organ endocrine system that controls vascular resistance and tone in addition to fluid and electrolyte balance to regulate blood pressure. It also controls water and sodium absorption in the kidney and directly affects the overall blood pressure.
See more: Renal Failure
The Hormonal System
Blood pressure is regulated by a variety of hormones.
| Hormones that increase arterial blood pressure | Hormones that decrease arterial blood pressure |
| Noradrenaline | Bradykinin |
| Adrenaline | Histamine |
| Aldosterone | Acetylcholine |
| Vasopressin | Prostaglandin |
| Thyroxine | Brain natriuretic peptide |
| Serotonin | Atrial natriuretic peptide |
| Angiotensin | C-type natriuretic peptide |
| Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide |
Here, thyroxine and adrenaline increases systolic pressure but decreases diastolic blood pressure.
Regional System
Blood pressure is regulated by local chemicals in addition to neurological, renal, and hormonal systems.
Local chemicals control blood pressure by either vasodilation or vasoconstriction. Medication for vasoconstriction and vasodilation function differently. Vasodilating drugs enlarge or dilate your blood vessels to promote blood flow whereas vasoconstricting medications tighten them to elevate blood pressure.
Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology to learn more such exciting topics.
Also Check:
- Difference between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Blood Pressure Test
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